The 2011 Playboy Sex Survey - Harris Survey

By Playboy MagazineJanuary 7, 2011

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We asked Harris Interactive to present a sex survey to a sample of American adults (not just Playboy readers) to learn more about how men and women are having sex in 2011, and particularly the role of technology.

We asked Harris Interactive to present a sex survey to a sample of American adults (not just Playboy readers) to learn more about how men and women are having sex in 2011, and particularly the role of technology. The firm interviewed 1,210 men and 1,100 women online and weighted the results to reflect the race, gender, sexual orientation, age, education and other attributes of the U.S. adult population—all 232 million of us. Harris also presented the survey to 10,003 visitors to Playboy.com. See the Playboy.com reader results here.

A number of respondents answered in “other” that they met their partner online but not through a dating service. Other write-ins: On a piano / Elevator (we had to be quick) / Kitchen counter / Porn arcade / Hot tub / RV / Row boat / Pool table, but it was mine / Swingers' party / Tent / On a motorcycle / On an ATV / At the hospital / In the closet / At our daughter’s home / On a cliff ledge / In the pantry.

Have you ever had sex with another person while in a monogamous (one-person) relationship?

At least once a day: 3 percent
4 or 5 times a week: 5 percent
2 or 3 times a week: 16 percent
Once a week: 22 percent
Once a month: 15 percent
Every other month: 5 percent
2 or 3 times a year: 7 percent
Less than two times a year: 18 percent
Decline to answer: 11 percent

Which of the following combinations represent the situation(s) when you’ve had sexual relations with more than one person at a time? [asked of those who responded yes to previous question]

One other man and one other woman: 41 percent (M36, F50)
Two other people, both the same sex as I am: 19 percent (M22, F14)
Two other people, both the opposite sex as I am: 60 percent (M59, F61)
More than two other people: 19 percent (M21, F16)

Had sex in a place where there was a risk of being caught: 50 percent (M54, F47)
“Talked dirty” during sex: 44 percent
Made more noise than was usual: 34 percent
Faked orgasm: 32 percent (Male 16 percent, Female 46 percent)
Had “rough” sex: 25 percent
Answered the phone during sex: 16 percent
Used a blindfold during sex: 12 percent
Called out the name of someone other than the person with whom you were having sex: 5 percent
None of these: 24 percent
Decline to answer: 2 percent

Employed full time: 43 percent
Employed part time: 20 percent
Self-employed: 11 percent
Not employed, but looking for work: 8 percent
Not employed and not working for work: 26 percent
Not employed, unable to work due to a disability or illness: 7 percent
Retired: 23 percent
Student: 12 percent
Stay-at-home spouse or partner/Housewife/husband: 12 percent

Which the following categories best describes your 2009 total household income before/after taxes?

My husband was deployed for almost a year. The sex has been phenomenal since he got back.-Female, 34, Georgia

It was with my partner over five years ago. We are together yet we are practicing celibacy for religious beliefs.-Male, 46, New York

It was only for his benefit, not mine.-Female, 56, Missouri

Decided ahead of time we would have it and looked forward to it all day.-Male, 61, Ohio

Partner knew he was out the door. I was ice cold and bored.-Female, 59, Arizona

Normal bedroom sex.-Male, 26, Arkansas

After another person’s wedding with a friend from work.-Male, 45, Oregon

A spontaneous tender moment.-Male, 54, Georgia

Prostitute in motel.-Male, 74, New Mexico

Used oil and a whip. Great way to start your day!-Male 59, Wyoming

The last time I had sex was the first time I had sex. For the most part I felt I was doing the right thing. I was 20 years old and still had not lost my virginity.-Male, 22, New York

Felt good but no orgasm.-Female, 44, New York

Yesterday with current and previous partner in a threesome on a cruise ship. But he didn’t seem to spend enough time on me and that made me a little upset but the sex itself was great.-Female, 43, Connecticut

That’s between me and my husband.-Female, 46, New Jersey

My birthday in Key West. Windows open could hear the sound of the ocean. Lightning flashing in the distance.-Female, 59, Nebraska

It was probably 40 years ago. I didn’t know it would be the last time.-Female, 68, New Mexico